No upper Eastsider I spoke to could believe I had never been to the iconic JG Melon neighborhood burger joint.

I went to this laid-back pub for the first time this summer and only had to wait about 10 minutes, which I heard was not bad. There’s generally a 30-minute wait for this cash-only pub on Third Avenue that’s been on the Northeast corner of 74th Street since 1972.

While waiting, I learned the “J” is for the late Jack O’Neill and the “G” for Georges Morgues, the original owners. “Melon” came from some whimsical watermelon artwork found in the original establishment. The owners added many more melons to the now art-filled walls. There’s only a menu board, no printed menu. Most folks are there for a burger and fries.

Once seated at a table covered with a green gingham tablecloth and approached by a gruff waitress, I followed suit. First, though, we each ordered a martini ($15) and then our burger. Mine a cheeseburger ($13.50), my dining partner a turkey cheeseburger ($13.25) and both their cottage fries ($7.25).

I recommend a visit when in the mood for a burger!

JG Melon
Upper East Side
1291 Third Avenue (at 74th)
New York, NY 10021
212-744-0585
jgmelon-nyc.com